P.S. Power of Sharing

Akdeniz University EuroMed

Youth Centre e-Journal

Number 2, Year 2015

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P.S. Power of Sharing E-Journal Number 2, Year 2015

Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre Publications Antalya, January 2015

© Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre Address: Deniz Mahallesi Deniz Caddesi Adrasan Kumluca/ Antalya (0 242) 310 64 92 http://euromed.akdeniz.edu.tr/tr e-posta: euromed@akdeniz.edu.tr

Editors:

Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN

Rabia VEZNE

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CONTENTS

Foreword by Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN 5

Foreword by Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlhan GÜNBAYI 6

Issue Slogan 7

From the Educational Advisor 8

EVS Corner 8

What is EVS? 9

An EVS Volunteer from Turkey 11

Exchange Programmes Corner 13

What is the Erasmus+ Programme? 13

An Erasmus Incoming Student 15

An Erasmus Outgoing Student 16

What is the Mevlana Programme? 18

A Mevlana Incoming Student 20

A Mevlana Outgoing Student 21

What is the Farabi Programme? 22

A Farabi Incoming Student 23

A Farabi Outgoing Student 24

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EU Projects Corner 25

What is an EU Project? 25

An EU Project Experience 26

IAESTE Corner 27

What is IAESTE? 27

Opportunities 28

Deadlines for Erasmus+, KA1 and EVS 28

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Foreword

Welcome to the second issue of our e-magazine, which is published free

by the EuroMed Youth Centre for the benefit of all young people

everywhere. In our first issue our aim was to share with our readers

the wide variety of different European experiences enjoyed by young

people during their mobility periods, and to provide information

about the opportunities available to young people in Europe. The

positive feedback which we received from our stakeholders was enough

to convince us that we had succeeded with that aim.

Now, under the leadership of our new director Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlhan

GÜNBAYI and with hard work of Educational Advisor Rabia

VEZNE, our e-journal aims to continue in its mission to encourage

young people to share their experiences with each other.

Finally, I would like to thank to first Rabia VEZNE then International

Relations Office team for the great contribution they made to the

publication of our e-magazine. It is our hope that all young people will

find in it something for themselves.

Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN Advisor to the Rector

Head of the International Relations Office

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Foreword

Welcome to the second issue of our e-magazine, which is published free

by the EuroMed Youth Centre for the benefit of all young people

everywhere. Since our project started in 2012 we have been trying

hard to empower young people in our local area, to contribute to

youth policies at the national level, and to cooperate with other youth

centres in Europe and the Mediterranean Region. We are now proud

to publish the second issue of our e-magazine, which we hope will help

us to succeed in our aim.

With the publication of our e-magazine, our aim is to share with our

readers the wide variety of different European experiences enjoyed by

young people during their mobility periods, and to provide

information about the opportunities available to young people in

Europe.

Finally, I would like to thank to all the staff members in our centre for

the great contribution they made to the publication of our first e-

magazine, and I hope all the young people who read it will learn more

about EU opportunities, and use the information provided to move

their personal development in a positive direction.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlhan GÜNBAYI Exective Director of EuroMed Youth Centre

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Issue Slogan

“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth”

Diogenes

This saying by Diogenes, the protagonist of the philosophy of Cynicism,

will be our slogan for the second issue of our journal. We aim to draw

attention, as Diogenes did with his wise words, to the importance of

education in our society, and how the main purpose of the wide range

of educational programmes and projects which we cover is to prepare

young people for their future with the help of formal and non-formal

education methods.

It is vital that young people strive to improve themselves socially and

culturally, in an educational environment which is increasingly

internationalized, in order to improve their ability to find

employment with international environments. With this idea in

mind, and with a determination to serve as a model which they can

identify with, we will continue to share with you the experiences of

young entrepreneurs who have participated in Exchange Programmes

in a variety of different cultural and social environments.

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From Educational Advisor

Non-formal learning methods, and recognition of these methods by

educational institutions is an important item on the agenda of

education issues. All policy-makers now accept that education of

individual students cannot be limited to formal education

organizations only.

Informal learning, which is the learning as a result of everyday life

experience and sharing with others, has an important role to play in

the lives of individual students. This is especially true for young people

who were born into the modern information and communication age,

and who grew up with social media. These special conditions represent

an aspect of informal learning which the official authorities need to

accept and appreciate. Our contribution to the advancement of

informal learning, and our support for the young people who will

participate in it, comes with the creation of this e-journal and our

commitment to continue publishing it.

Rabia VEZNE

Educational Advisor to the EuroMed Youth Centre

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EVS Corner

What is EVS?

European Voluntary Service allows young people aged between 17 and

30 to express their personal commitment through unpaid and full-time

voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country. Volunteers

are given the opportunity to contribute to the run-up to the activities,

and to take part in initiatives organised within the framework of a

European or international event.

You should apply to a sending organisation which has EVS

accreditation in order to become an EVS volunteer. The organisation

will find you a host country from abroad. You can search for the

organisations which have EVS accreditation on the following website;

http://europa.eu/youth/evs_database.

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EVS Corner

There are 12 organisations which have EVS accreditation in

Antalya:

Akdeniz University International Relations Office

Akdeniz University Culture and Social Aid Foundation

Antalya Intercultural Dialogue Centre

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

Alanya Municipality Foreign Relations Department

Antalya Women’s Consultation and Mutual Benefit Association

AKSU 80th Anniversary Love Village (Sevgi Köyü)

Antalya Directorate of Probation

Antalya Province EU Projects Coordination Centre

Efem Akdeniz Youth and sports Club Foundation

Blue Mediterranean Culture Training and Youth Association

Alanya Municipality Support Services and Sports Department

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EVS Corner

An EVS volunteer sent by Akdeniz University

My name is Bülent IŞIK. I participated in the Akdeniz University

course ‘Writing Resumes and Motivation Letters’ in November 2012. I

sent my application to different organizations so I could take part in

EVS, and I was accepted by a German Children’s Organization in

Thüringen Bürgel for 9 months.

I started my Project in September 2012, and this was a milestone in my

life. It changed everything. First of all, at the beginning, my English

level was beginner but in 9 months I had improved a lot, and I also

learned German. Second, I was able to travel to northern European

countries such as Denmark. This was my dream because I am

interested in the cruise-ship sector, and northern Europe is the leader

in this sector. During my EVS period I was able to visit the most

popular factories. I made new friends and still keep in touch with

them, and I learned about different cultures and broadened my

horizons. I worked with children, and I enjoyed this a lot because in

the past I was a volunteer in some children organizations, though it

was my first long-term commitment to working with children. It was

wonderful.

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After I came back to Antalya I decided to follow my dreams. EVS

taught me how to do it! In Europe, I have seen many mobile-coffee

shops and I thought; I can do this myself in Turkey. I set up my new

coffee business, bought a Volkswagen and put the coffee machinery

inside, and then created my own coffee-bus and my own brand.

EVS helped me to start my own business, and I opened a new page in

my life. I would like to thank to Akdeniz University for giving me this

chance.

Bülent IŞIK January, 2015

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Erasmus+ Programme?

Erasmus is a European Union student exchange programme created

by the European Community Action Scheme in 1987. Erasmus+, or

Erasmus Plus, is the new programme combining all of the European

Union’s current programmes dealing with education, training, youth

and sport, and which is due to begin in January 2014.

The Erasmus programme, as a European Union education and

training programme, is designed to increase the quality of higher

education in Europe. For this purpose, the Programme promotes co-

operation between higher education institutions in Europe. The

resulting partnerships and mobility activities are financially

supported by the Programme.

In addition to co-operation between HEIs, the Erasmus Programme

also promotes cooperation between HEIs and the labour market so

that universities are in a position to meet the needs of the labour

market, and give better employment opportunities to graduates.

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The European Commission is responsible for the overall

implementation of the Erasmus Programme. Actions are managed by

the national agencies of the 33 participating countries, or by the

Executive Agency for Education, Audovisiual and Culture based in

Brussels.

For many students, the Erasmus+ Programme is their first experience

of living and studying in another country. Hence, it has become a

cultural phenomenon which is very popular among European

students.

The Programme fosters not only learning and understanding of the

host country, but also a sense of community among students from

different countries. The Erasmus experience is considered both a time

for learning as well as a chance to socialise.

It is seen as a great opportunity to study abroad while not having the

expense of studying outside the European Union, since the grants

available to Erasmus students are not available to those opting to

leave the continent to study.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

Erasmus Incoming Students at Akdeniz University

Yes, what should I say?

I came for one semester and stayed two semesters. I met wonderful

people in a wonderful country. I learnt differences about cultures,

people and life styles.

Although sometimes it was hard, I had good time at Akdeniz

University. Even, I met with my “future” and I became “Erasmus-

Bride”. Anybody who has a chance to do Erasmus Exchange in

Turkey is lucky! I would like to thank for everything and I hope we

will meet somewhere in the world. Take care of yourselves! See you!

Ivonne Behnke-Sezgin

Germany

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Exchange Programmes Corner

An Erasmus Outgoing Student sent by Akdeniz

University

I applied for Erasmus in my final year in the Department of

Econometrics. I was accepted for an apprenticeship in Portugal, and I

went to Universidade Beira Interior for six months. I will share with

you my experiences, which I have never forgotten.

It was not a coincidence that I applied to Erasmus when I was in my

final year. I was always interested in this programme and I listened to

the experiences of incoming and outgoing students. Eventually I

passed the language exam and had the right to be an Erasmus student.

My journey started with a long flight, and then I was in Portugal to

experience European culture. The university, which is one of the

biggest universities in Portugal, was in a small city called Covilha. It

was not difficult to get used to this city because the people were very

friendly and hospitable.

We started a project with the Professor who had accepted me. The

project was about “The Reflection of Global Crisis on the Turkish Bank

Sector”. We presented the article at a scientific congress, and it was

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chosen as a candidate for the 2014 Turkish Central Bank Research

Awards.

These developments show that the Erasmus Programme is not just an

exchange programme, it can also be seen as a platform to carry out

these kinds of studies.

During these six months I had cultural exchanges with different

Erasmus students from different countries. I travelled to tourist

centres in Portugal and in other countries in Europe. I have two

periods in my life: Before and after Erasmus, and many memories and

experiences to tell.

Mehmet Uluğ

January, 2015

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Mevlana Programme?

Mevlana is an exchange programme designed to facilitate the

exchange of students and academic staff members between Turkish

between Turkish higher education institutions and higher education

institutions in other countries. Since the regulations were published on

August 23rd 2011, (Regulation No. 28034), the exchange of students and

academic staff members between Turkish higher education institutions

and higher education institutions in other countries has been made

possible.

Students may study abroad for a minimum of one, up to a maximum

of two semesters, while members of the academic staff may lecture

abroad from a minimum of one week, up to a maximum period of

three months. As a result, students and academic staff members from

any country may benefit from this programme by being hosted by

Turkish higher education institutions in order to study or lecture.

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The original name of Mevlana, which inspired the name of the

programme, belonged to Muhammed Celaleddin. Mevlana was born

in 1207 in the district of Belh of Horasan, which is now on the border

of Afghanistan. The name "Mevlana" was used by Sultan Veled, Şems-i

Tebrizi and his lovers, and it has become a universal symbol which is

identified with him. He is also known as Rumi to the people of the

western world. Mevlana lived in the 13th century, but as a sufi who

encompasses a timeless quality in his work, he did not discriminate

between peoples, as illustrated by his verse "Come, come whoever you

are". As well as his mercy, selflessness and unbounded humanity, he

showed total tolerance, qualities which impressed not only the world of

Islam but also the whole of humanity. He is accepted worldwide as a

profound intellectual in his view of people and life. UNESCO, in

recognition of the 800th anniversary of Mevlana’s birth, declared the

year 2007 as the year of Mevlana and Tolerance.

Throughout his education, he visited the educational institutions of

various cities in different countries not only as a student, but also as a

scholar. Mevlana attributed great importance to "change" in his

philosophy throughout his life.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Mevlana Incoming Student at Akdeniz University

The biggest purpose of my application to the Mevlana Exchange

Programme was to meet other international students and different

professors so I could have debates about philosopy, and to find a new

point of view in my life. I can say I totally achieved my purpose at

Akdeniz University. At times I had some difficulties adapting to life

here. Actually, as Hegel said: ‘There is a revolution if there is a

dilemma.’ But ultimately I am very satisfied with the Mevlana

Programme, and I thank the staff of the International Relations Office

for running the programme.”

Canıl Barpıbaeva

Krgzystan –Turkey Manas University

Faculty of Letters, Philosophy Department

January, 2015

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Mevlana Outgoing Student sent by Akdeniz University

First of all, I would like to thank the Akdeniz University

International Relations Office for helping me and giving me this

chance. I feel lucky to get the chance to study in Japan, which is many

thousands of kilometers away from Turkey. I had a chance to get to

know people from a different culture, and study in a different

education system. I am very impressed with the Japanese lifestyle,

their respect for others, and Japanese cuisine.

Kübra Ünver

Akdeniz Üniversitesi

Faculty of Letters /English Language Teaching

January, 2015

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Farabi Programme?

Farabi is a national exchange

programme operating between

universities which have signed

the

“Farabi Exchange Protocol”. The programme was started in Turkey by

the YÖK Higher Education Institution in 2009. Each October and

March students can apply to their own universities to be a Farabi

Exchange Student and study in another university in Turkey. The

selection process takes into consideration the academic success of the

applicants.

The exchange serves to improve both the social skills of the individual,

and provides them with the experience to deal with difficulties. Since

they are studying in a different social environment, it also improves

their communication skills. The students have the chance to study

with different teachers at a different university, which helps them to

develop a different vision in their work.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Farabi Incoming Student

I came to the Akdeniz University School of Physical Education and

Sports from Eskişehir Anatolia University as a Farabi Exchange

student. I would like to thank the Akdeniz University Farabi

Coordinator and staff for their guidance and help. To be honest, they

supported me better than my own university staff.

During the year we had a chance to see many historical places, and

we learnt many things about Antalya. Then I decided to study here

and I passed the internal transfer exam to study at Akdeniz

University. Antalya changed my life. I always encourage my friends

to come and study here. Thanks for everything.

Serdal GÜL January, 2015

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Farabi Outgoing Student

Would you like to experience how it feels to go start university again?

If you’d like to get to know different instructors, travel to a different

city and make new friends, then apply to the Farabi Exchange

Programme.

I applied to the Farabi Exchange Programme and went to Marmara

University in Istanbul. Farabi is a programme with which you can

take a course at any faculty you like. I took courses in the Faculty of

Law although I am a student in the Faculty of Nursing. I joined school

clubs, attended parties, conferences and seminars. Studying in

Istanbul was a big experience in my life.

I would like to thank the Akdeniz University and Marmara

University Farabi Coordinators.

Andaç GÜÇLÜ January, 2015

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EU Projects Corner

What is an EU Project?

Youth Exchanges allow groups of young people between the age of 13

and 30 from different countries to meet and live together for up to 21

days.

During a Youth Exchange, participants jointly carry out a work

programme (a mixture of workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays,

simulations, outdoor activities, etc.) designed and prepared by

themselves before the Exchange.

Youth Exchanges allow young people to: develop competences; become

aware of socially relevant topics and thematic areas; discover new

cultures, habits and life-styles, mainly through peer-learning;

strengthen values such as solidarity, democracy, friendship, etc. The

learning process in Youth Exchanges is triggered by the methods of

non-formal education. Youth Exchanges are based on transnational

cooperation between two or more participating organisations from

different countries within and outside the European Union.

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EU Projects Corner

An EU Project Experience

I attended an EU project and spent a week full of peace and fun in a

small town called Wijk aan Zee in Holland. Although it was my first

experience of travelling abroad, it was a good start for me. It was

very exciting to taste different cuisines and learn about different

cultures. Everybody prepared traditional dishes from their country,

prepared tables, and did the cleaning in groups. We played games

between sessions. Each day we had training courses in different

groups.

Everybody shared their experiences and worked with others to start

partnerships. We exchanged ideas and we tried to change each day

with a different experience.

Özge KAYA

January, 2015

IAESTE Exchange Programme

What is the IAESTE Programme?

IAESTE is the International

Association for the Exchange of

Students for Technical

Experience, which is a non-

profit-making student Exchange

Union.

IAESTE provides students in technical subjects with paid, course-

related training abroad, and supplies employers with highly skilled

and motivated international trainees. With more than 80 member

countries and over 4,000 traineeships arranged each year, it is the

largest organisation of its kind in the world.

IAESTE Turkey has provided the opportunity to take part in an

internship in a foreign country to more than 10,000 Turkish students,

and also made arrangements for about 10,000 foreign students to come

to our country. The objective of the organization is to speed up

technical and career development, implement high quality internship

exchange programmes between member countries.

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Opportunities

Deadlines for Erasmus+, KA1 and EVS

Next deadline to apply for Erasmus+ KA 1 Youth Mobility

Projects is April 30th 2015.

Next deadline to apply for EVS projects is April 30th 2015.

Young people who want be EVS volunteers should start

looking for a sending institution as soon as possible.

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Address

Akdeniz Üniversitesi Avrupa-Akdeniz Gençlik Eğitim ve Dinlenme Tesisi Deniz Mahallesi Deniz Caddesi Adrasan / Kumluca / ANTALYA

Contact Details

Tel : (+90) 242 310 64 92

(+90) 242 883 13 30 / 31 /32

Fax : (+90) 242 883 13 33

E-Mail euromed@akdeniz.edu.tr